Blenheim Palace is showcasing a series of stunning 19th century equine prints including lithographs and etchings by leading figures of the French Romantic school.
‘Géricault and Delacroix; Master Printmakers of the Romantic Era’ runs from 11th September-15th November 2021 in the Palace Exhibition Suite.
Close friends Théodore Géricault and Eugène Delacroix were both pioneering figures in the French Romantic movement.
Many of the works in the exhibition showcase the dynamic and impassioned imagery of horses, while Géricault’s lithographs executed after his arrival in London features the new, understated English style the artist adopted in his pursuit of success in the English sporting art market. Both artists are famed for their exquisite draughtsmanship in printmaking.
The exhibition explores the traditions of aristocratic and military life, the working horse and the pedigree horse.
“We’re delighted to be able to put on display so many of these extraordinary prints from two world class artists; their work evocatively showcases how important the horse was at every level of 19th century society,” said Carmen Alvarez, Blenheim Palace’s Deputy Collections Manager.
“The exhibition also coincides with the International Horse Trials here at Blenheim Palace and acts as a fascinating counterpoint to our new Stables features which highlights the role horses have played over the centuries at Blenheim,” she added.
As well as the equine artworks the exhibition also features a selection of prints of more exotic animals including lions and tigers.
Delacroix was the leading figure in the French Romantic school; his best known work ‘Liberty Leading the People’, featuring Parisians marching under the banner of the tricolor representing liberty, equality, and fraternity, was painted in 1830. It is on show in the Louvre alongside Géricault’s most famous painting ‘The Raft of the Medusa’ of 1818-1819.
This exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Lizzie Collins of Zuleika Gallery, London and Woodstock and Emanuel von Baeyer, London. The exhibition is curated by Natasha Broad and Silvia Positano.
Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Samantha Vaughan on 07469 129 743 or svaughan@blenheimpalace.com or Niamh O’Sullivan at NO’Sullivan@blenheimpalace.com .